Continuation of themes from season to season isn’t unusual. However, when Michelle Lowe Holder continued to be inspired by fabric swatches and the layer cake effects of these swatches from her SS08 collection, for her AW08 collection, I had no idea the effects would be so different and so the continuity is only very very tenuous, which is of course a good thing.

There’s something unboundedly rich, textured and heart warmingly complex about the collection. There’s a lot going on yet it’s so well-balanced that I’m not thinking there’s a tragic Christmas tree scenario here. Double beaded collars, shoulder pads/sleeves which are detachable or can be buttoned on, chiffon layered over tulle, feathers and paillettes, the prints for which MLH is famous for still linger on but very subtly so, velvet smocking, chunky knitwear…. it should all be convulsing in a messy heap but instead, there’s a lightness to everything that is actually making me yearn for crispy leaves and a hot chocolate to hold whilst I wear one of these floaty dresses, complete with black balaclava (is it possible she has made the balaclava look incredibly chic?).

For some reason, as soon as I glanced at the collection, it made me think of soft haired early 20th century beauties, Bloomsbury Group writers and that if they were still alive, they’d happily wear these clothes. An odd instant imagery, seeing as the clothes are completely contemporary and haven’t a drop of ‘period’ in them. The mind does turn in strange ways though and that is what I envisioned immediately…wispy hair, one of these outfits, lots of books and some chintzy tea sets complete with tea cosy….

these clothes are absolutely gorgeous – rather than going out in them, they do make me want to curl up with a book! i did a post recently with a bloomsbury-inspired outfit, how strange… more scruffy virginia woolf style than sleek cressida bell though!

There’s really something new about all these cloths. I’ve never seen such fresh combinations of feathers, different fabrics and layers. On the other side, it’s very wearable. You can go out with every single part of this collection without beeing overstyled.

The balaclava is totally working! I think it works because we live in England…where its cold…and rains (and this year snows!) even during the summer! So anything warm and snuggly will do me fine!
xhttp://www.flatbrokefabulous.blogspot.com

I love these clothes. They are beautiful and timeless like fashonhearld said.
I can see myself in any of these combinations.
I love layers in any capacity, whether it be music, painting, clothing, or what have you.
You are inspiring me to want to create a fashion blog. My website is not exactly geared towards fashion, even though fashion in its essence is highly creative and is an art form.
Reading your posts, reinforce my ideas that fashion and style is much more than just wearing clothes. It is about expressing a sense of self outwardly, and for me, appreciating the artistry involved in a well made garment, as well as taking a creative license to make it your own.
Once again, I have gone of on a tangent, so I will stop.
nice post.

I think they are quite period… I can see flapper inspiration in there, and the red dress at the top reminds me of the Railway Children… I can see the model bounding across the catwalk yelling “iiiitttt’s myyyyy daddddyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!”
They are appealing though. Those kind of soft, dark berry tones are so comforting when the colder months come in.

Paraguayan javelin thrower Leryn Franco wowed the catwalk this week. leryn franco breast catwalk The 26-year old model, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in August, worked the catwalk in revealing tops and sexy lingerie at a recent fashion show.
The leggy Leryn has been a part-time model and bikini contestant for years while competing in javelin events.
In 2006, she was the runner-up in the Miss Paraguay beauty pageant and Miss Bikini Universe contest. Leryn became an Internet sensation this summer, thanks to her athletic good looks, and it looks like her newfound notoriety has helped boost her modeling career.
“Modeling is a way for me to continue with my sport,” Franco said. “The hours are flexible, and you can earn good money through photographic modeling and the catwalk.”
leryn franco catwalk
In 2004, Franco competed at the Athens Olympics, where she placed 42nd overall. Leryn’s personal best throw is 55.38 meters, achieved in May 2007. Leryn was born 1982 in Asunci√≥n, Paraguay. Her full name is Leryn Dahiana Franco Stenery, and she’s 5’8″ tall and 123 lbs.
In 1998, Franco set the Paraguayan national records for javelin and triple jump in the under-17 age group. In 2001, Leryn won the South American Junior Championship for javelin. She has competed in javelin and track since she was a teen.
Leryn is reportedly dating Novak Djokovic, a 21-year-old Serbian tennis player who’s currently ranked No. 3 in the world. The 6’3″ Djokovic, who makes his home in Monaco, won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January 2008. The sizzling duo were seen walking around hand-in-hand at the Olympic village in Beijing this summer.